Faith-driven music and media recognized for excellence, integrity, and heartfelt storytelling
Jesuit Communications (JesCom) and the Jesuit Music Ministry (JMM) proudly brought home two distinctions at the 47th Catholic Mass Media Awards (CMMA), held on Wednesday evening, November 19, at the Citystate Tower Hotel in Ermita, Manila.
This year’s ceremony, hosted by Ms. Pia Arcangel and Mr. Barbie Atienza, celebrated “excellence and integrity in Catholic media,” underscoring its role in “promoting truth, human dignity, and Christian values.” In his keynote address, Manila Archbishop Jose F. Cardinal Advincula, who serves as CMMA Honorary Chairman, emphasized the moral responsibility of communicators to uphold truth, inspire faith, and amplify hope—a mission that stands at the core of JesCom’s work in multimedia evangelization.
“Ang Tungkod Mo” wins Best Inspirational Song (Religious)
Leading the recognitions for JMM was “Ang Tungkod Mo,” which won Best Inspirational Song – Religious Category.
Performed by Hangad and composed by Mimo Perez, the song is arranged by Dean Naces and Nigel Perea.
Inspired by Psalm 23:4 and the episcopal motto of Bishop Moises Magpantay Cuevas, “Ang Tungkod Mo” reflects trust in God’s abiding presence—a theme that resonated deeply with the CMMA judges who acknowledged music as one of the “channels for truth and inspiration.” Thus, the milestone win builds on JMM’s long tradition of creating music that lifts spirits and leads listeners to prayer.
“Ang Tungkod Mo” was one of three JMM songs nominated this year, alongside Bukas Palad’s “Onward, Pilgrims of Hope” and Hangad’s “The Love I Feel.” The triple nomination continues to reaffirm JMM’s role in shaping Filipino liturgical and inspirational music for generations.
JesCom’s Holy Week special “Himig Panalangin” receives Special Citation
Following its sixth “Best TV Special” recognition for “Visita Iglesia” at the 45th CMMA,
JesCom Productions received a Special Citation for Best TV Special for its 2025 Holy Week offering, “Himig Panalangin,” aired on GMA 7.
With its 19th Holy Week production, JesCom continues its tradition of telling stories that touch the depths of the Filipino soul. On its Black Saturday broadcast, “Himig Panalangin” presented how liturgical music strengthens faith and serves as a vessel of prayer, healing, and community.
The documentary featured the inspiring journeys of Tatay Domeng, a Person Deprived of Liberty transformed through the prison music ministry; campus minister TJ Sunga, who continued serving despite illness; and OFW choir leader Hilda Calamba, who found strength and community through the gift of song.
“Himig Panalangin” also honored the legacies of the “Father of Filipino Liturgical Music,” Fr. Eduardo Hontiveros, SJ, as well as National Artist Lucio San Pedro, whose works have shaped Filipino worship and cultural identity. Performances by the Bukas Palad Music Ministry, Philippine Madrigal Singers, Banda Uno, and the Pansol Choir framed the documentary’s reflections with much beauty and devotion.
A continuing mission of evangelization through music and media
This year’s CMMA theme—“Share with gentleness the hope that is in your hearts” (1 Peter 3:15–16)—captures the very essence of JesCom and JMM’s work: proclaiming hope through creative excellence.
With JMM ever-committed to bringing people closer to God through music, and JesCom Productions upholding its vision of evangelizing through meaningful, values-driven storytelling, these two CMMA honors indeed stand as reminders of a shared enduring mission: to use media and music as pathways towards faith, healing, and hope.
AMDG
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